Just as the times change, the Full Circle Foundation is too. After moving from its longtime home on Mack Avenue to a dual-campus at Jefferson and Somerset, the nonprofit is already embarking on its next bold chapter: transforming the former Henry Ford ophthalmology building into a modern recreational center.
Dedicated to fostering independence for young adults with special needs, this expansion will allow the foundation to scale its vocational training and community programs. It’s a vision for growth that Full Circle Director of Operations Stephanie DeVirgil believes is crucial to expanding their program.
“[The new recreational center] is going to have enough space to have actual gym equipment, stationary bikes, treadmills and certain weight lifting equipment, just as a way to keep [the students] healthy and to teach them how to properly use the machines.”
To support a lifestyle of health and wellness, the new center provides a spacious environment, offering flexibility for students to fully engage in physical activity. But beyond this, the facility will serve as a hub for communal connection.
“There’s also going to be a Grand Atrium… it’s going to be a beautiful entertaining space. We will be using it for events like parties and fundraisers, parent advocacy meetings, guest speakers and can be rented out by some local groups for their meetings,” DeVirgil said.
Not only does Full Circle specialize in empowering students through hands-on work experience, but this training transitions into real-time service at their active resale shop. For store manager Evie Ansel, the community’s daily contributions are what keep the doors swinging.
“There’s always blue bins out there, and you can drop off your [donated items],” Ansel said. “All the things that aren’t used, we re-donate them to the veterans — so nothing gets wasted.”
The shop offers a huge variety of items, from shoes and sweaters to jewelry and workout gear. Because there’s so much to choose from, the store attracts a wide range of different people.
“That’s what I love about [the store]. The customers are amazing, and they are of all ages,” Ansel said. “Some are trying it for the first time and have never seen us before, while others are true thrifters.”
While thrifting brings the community in, the shop’s primary mission is the growth of its staff. For students like shop cashier Megan Wiley ’10, the addition of the recreational center simplifies the daily transition from the shop to the classroom.
“It will be much easier once everything is on one campus because I won’t need to find a ride to a separate area anymore,” Wiley said. “Working here has also taught me things I didn’t know, like how sales tax works.”
These new services wouldn’t be possible without a massive amount of support. Along with local volunteers and fundraisers, the project was backed by $5 million from the AA Van Elslander Foundation and $3 million from James and Patricia Anderson.
“It’s the dedication of our employees that really shined through when we had to raise money to get this property… it was full steam ahead, and it was truly a group effort,” DeVirgil said.
